Bachelor of Social Science (Human Services (Whyalla))

Degree Level Undergraduate

Years

Australian students

Start Date
February
July

Campus
Whyalla

Duration
3 year(s) full-time

Mode
On-campus/Online

Program Code
MBSS

SATAC Code
464175 (Internal)

Study as
Full-time or part-time

Fees
Commonwealth Supported

Entry Requirements
Selection Rank (Internal): 67.00 (for 2024)
Selection Rank (Guaranteed): 67.00 (for 2025)
TAFE/RTO (Guaranteed): DIP
View full entry requirements

Prerequisites
None

Assumed Knowledge
None

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

The admission criteria have been grouped to assist you to easily find the information most relevant to your circumstances. However, you may fit into more than one and the university will consider applicants against each of the relevant criteria.

Certain conditions apply. For more information refer to Appendix 4 of the University's Selection and Entry policy.

Applicants are required to meet one of the following criteria with a competitive result, and demonstrate that they fulfil any prerequisite requirements and essential requirements for admission:

Recent secondary education
Meet any prerequisite requirements with a minimum grade of C- or equivalent
AND
- Qualify for the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), and achieved a competitive Selection Rank (ATAR), or
- Complete secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE, or
- Complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum score of 24 points
Applicants who have not achieved the Selection Rank required for automatic selection may be selected for any remaining places based on the grades of their year 12 subjects.

OR
Higher education study
- Complete or partly complete a recognised higher education program at a recognised higher education institution, or
- Complete at least four Open Universities Australia (OUA) courses at undergraduate level or above
OR
Vocational Education and Training (VET)
- Complete an award from a registered training organisation at Certificate IV or above
OR
Work and life experience
- Qualify for Special Entry, or
- Complete a 12-month UniSA Foundation Studies program or equivalent, or
- Hold completed secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE obtained more than 2 years in the past
Essential requirements for admission
Prerequisites
None

Assumed Knowledge
None
View full entry requirements Hide full entry requirements

Please note that this specialisation is only available to domestic students.

Aim

The Bachelor of Social Science (Human Services) qualifies individuals who apply a broad and coherent body of knowledge of political, behavioural and social sciences in a range of human service contexts to undertake professional work.

The degree also provides a foundational pathway to further learning, including Honours degree programs in related fields.

Content & Structure

Graduates of the Bachelor of Social Science (Human Services) degree will have a broad and coherent body of knowledge of human service practice, with in-depth understanding in the underlying principles and concepts of social policy and management of effective service delivery at both the individual and project level.

The students will complete 108 units of study comprising 63 units of core studies, social policy and human services theory, 4.5 units of free elective, 22.5 units of practice skills, and 18 units of field placements.

From 4 August 2025, the University of South Australia will no longer be accepting applications for new students. Study at Adelaide University.

What courses you'll study

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units
FIRST YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Human Service Provision	WELF 1014	4.5
Communication Skills in Social Work and Human Services	WELF 1019	4.5
The Social World	SOCU 1003	4.5
Child Development	WELF 1020	4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Governance and Citizenship in Australia	POLI 1008	4.5
Group Work	BEHL 2009	4.5
Working with Community	WELF 2010	4.5
Applied Psychology	BEHL 1005	4.5
SECOND YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Human Service Intervention	WELF 2012	4.5
Australian Social Policy	POLI 1012	4.5
Social Research Methods	HUMS 2047	4.5
Interviewing Skills in Social Work and Human Services	WELF 2020	4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Mental Health and Mental Wellbeing	WELF 2019	4.5
Human Service Workers and the Law	JUST 2005	4.5
Aboriginal Australians and the Human Services	WELF 2015	4.5
Policy Practice	POLI 2027	4.5
THIRD YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Human Service Field Placement A	WELF 3022	9	Rule(s): 1,2
Social Analysis and the Human Services	WELF 3018	4.5
Case Management	WELF 3015	4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Human Service Field Placement B	WELF 3014	9	Rule(s): 1,2
Human Service Project Management	WELF 2014	4.5
Elective		4.5

Rules & notes

Rules

1. Field Education consists of a total of 560 hours of supervised placement to be undertaken in two blocks of 280 hours during the third year and after completion of all second year courses. Students are advised that they will be required to attend field education placements generally but not exclusively during normal working hours in both teaching and non-teaching weeks, for between 2 and 5 days per week.

2. Students are required to undertake Criminal History Checks through the Department of Human Services (DHS) for working with Children, in the Aged Care Sector and in Disability Services; obtain a SAPOL National Police Record Check; completed a one-day Safe Environments for Children and Young People course; and the University's online module, Undertaking a Safe Student Placement. Some placements may also require students to hold a current driver's licence, a recognised First Aid Certificate or other requirements as requested by a specific placement provider.

Notes

1. The program is designed to graduate professional human service workers who can function effectively in demanding environments. It satisfies professional and employer requirements through its content and its assessment processes. Students are advised that the program does require consistent participation in a wide range of potentially challenging classroom, assessment and field activities.

2. The first and second years of the Bachelor of Social Science (Human Services) are in common with the Bachelor of Social Work. Transfer between awards is possible. Transfer before the end of second year ensures smooth transition to the third year program and avoids any problems in relation to field education and AASW field education requirements.

3. Based on academic merit, graduates of this program will be eligible to apply for admission to the one year Bachelor of Arts (Honours) program.

4. The program is three years of full-time study but may also be studied part-time.

5. Students who have completed the Bachelor of Social Science (Human Services) program at UniSA will receive 18 units of credit on admission into the Master of Social Work (MMSK).